16 days Essential China & Yangtze Cruise Tour

Your Yangtze Cruise tour starts in Beijing, the capital of China. It is a historical city where you can see the majestic Great Wall and explore the real traditional culture of China. Upon arrival, Be greeted by your local guide and driver as they will drive you to the downtown hotel. The rest of the day is open and flexible for you to walk around for the first impression of this city. Overnight in Beijing.

Spend the whole day to visit three highlights in Beijing city: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Place. As the first sight in the morning, Tiananmen Square is almost synonymous with Beijing. Located in the heart of Beijing city, the square is worth a visit not just for its historical significance, but also for its size of being the largest public square in the world, which can accommodate up to a million people to hold ceremonies. Spend some time to walk around the square before you head to the north end and see the entrance of the Forbidden City. 

Forbidden City once was the center of the imperial power and national politics during Ming and Qing dynasties. The majestic stone walkways and complex wooden structures reveal the power of both imperial and divine. According to the historical records, most parts of this imperial palace have been rebuilt several times because of the fire, so you can see lots of urns in all parts of the Forbidden City. They were kept filled with water in case of fire.

After lunch, continue a visit to the Summer Palace, which is an imperial garden built during Qing dynasty. During the visit, immerse yourself in the spectacular landscape design and architectures, which combines the natural scenery of rolling hills and open waterways with many elegant pavilions, temples and bridges. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kong Fu Show and return to your hotel to retire. Overnight in Beijing.

Morning, drive to the Temple of Heaven, a religious place for the emperors in Ming and Qing dynasties to pray to God of Heaven for a good harvest. According to the traditional culture, the unique triple-gabled circular architectures in the garden symbolize heaven in ancient China. After that, continue an excursion to Mutianyu, one of the best sections to see the magnificent Great Wall. The drive takes about 1.5 hours. Once get there, spend 2 to 3 hours to hike along the Great Wall and view the breathtaking scenery. Being one of the notable masterpieces of Chinese ancient architectures, Great Wall served as a northern barrier to defend the capital and Chinese imperial tombs for thousands of years. While standing atop the watchtowers and seeing the wall winding its way across endless mountains, you still can feel its historical mission today. During your visit, the cable car is also available for those who require assistance in reaching the summit of the wall or just do not feel like walking up. Afterwards, drive back to the hotel and prepare for the next day of your tour in Beijing. Overnight in Beijing.

Morning have a half-day tour to visit the old part of Beijing - Shichahai area, here you will visit one of the old courtyards, and have a Hutong tour by a rickshaw to experience local life, you will have plenty time to explore this area to get to Yandai Xiejie and Drum Tower. In the afternoon, say farewell to your Beijing local guide as you drive to the railway station for the high-speed train to Xi'an. Your historical tour in Xi'an will start tomorrow. Overnight in Xi'an.

After breakfast, drive to the Terracotta Warriors which is located in the northeast countryside of Xi'an. Regarded as the Eighth Wonder of World, Terracotta Warriors has attracted millions of travelers every year since it was first excavated by a local farmer in 1974. It is a magical experience to see thousands of subterranean life-size army standing guard over the soul of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang for over 2,000 years. 

In the afternoon, drive back to Xi'an city for a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which is a preserved ancient building to house the Buddhist sutras brought back from India. See a spectacular fountain show and take some photos as you walk by the square to the pagoda. The last part of the tour today is to explore the Muslim culture in Xi'an. Learn about Islam with a visit to the Great Mosque, one of the largest mosque in China and experience the local life of Hui (Chinese Muslim) people by walking around the Muslim Quarters. 

In the evening, end the trip today by enjoying a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show along with the Dumpling Dinner. Overnight in Xi'an.

Continue your journey in Xi'an today by heading to the Shaanxi History Museum, which is one of the largest modern national museum to house the best heritage of Shaanxi Province. Learn about the systematic development process of Chinese civilization from your guide while seeing these exhibitions in the museum. As you leave the museum for the next sight, notice that the entire building complex of the museum assumes the architectural features of the Tang Dynasty. 

Afterwards, take a walk along the Xi'an City Wall, one of the oldest and best preserved city wall in China. Followed by a visit to Shuyuan Men, a place that jammed with many shops for selling delicate traditional art crafts. After lunch, you will be driven to the airport for the flight to Guilin, a famous city with beautiful landscapes. Overnight in Guilin.

Morning transfer to Guilin Mopan Hill or Zhujiang wharf to board your cruise down to Yangshuo along Li River, considered to have the best mountains and river in China. The cruise journey takes around 4 hours. You will have lunch on board. Upon arrival Yangshuo, be picked up and transferred to the hotel. In the afternoon you could choose to ride bicycle/bamboo rafting to enjoy the nice countryside views along the Yulong river also as well the rural life in China, you will have a chance to visit local family during the tour. Overnight in Yangshuo.

Morning drives about 40 minutes to visit Xianggong hill (Husband Mountain), it takes about 15 minutes to the top of the hill where you will be amazed by the breathtaking view of Li River and the surrounded Karst mountain peaks. Then head to Longji Rice Terraces for the splendid rice terraces and local ethnic minority villages, the drive takes roughly 3 hours, on the way enjoy the nice mountain range views.

Upon arrival, spend a few hours to hike around at the Ping’an village to enjoy the rice terraces views and visit local minority villages. There are several hiking trails that you can choose depending on your physical condition, it could last from 1 hour up to 4 hours. So just tell your guide what you want, then he can recommend you the options.

Overnight in Ping’an village.

Spend more time at the Longji Rice Terraces this morning, then drive back to Guilin Railway Station (about 2 hours) to board the bullet/high-speed train to Chongqing, which takes around 4–5 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. For the rest of today, you may consider exploring the vibrant Jiefangbei Square, one of Chongqing’s main commercial centers, ideal for shopping, trying local food, and people-watching.

Today, enjoy a full-day guided exploration of Chongqing, one of China’s most dynamic cities. Your journey begins at Ciqikou Old Town, often referred to as the “epitome of Chongqing.” Stroll through its stone-paved alleys and soak up over 1,800 years of history dating back to the Song Dynasty, with charming traditional architecture, street snacks, and local crafts.

Next, hop aboard Chongqing Rail Transit Line 2 and head to Liziba Station, where you’ll witness one of the city’s most iconic sights, a light rail train dramatically cutting through a residential building.

Continue to E’ling Park, a peaceful oasis offering panoramic views of Chongqing’s skyline. From here, admire the towering skyscrapers, the convergence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, and the urban energy that’s earned Chongqing the nickname “Little Hong Kong.”

Wrap up your city tour with a visit to the famous Hongya Cave, a cliffside complex of traditional Ba and Shu-style stilted houses stacked up to 11 stories high. As evening falls, the glowing lights illuminate the architecture in a magical golden hue.

Afterward, you’ll be transferred to Chongqing Pier to board your luxury Yangtze River Cruise (Victoria Cruises), which departs at 9:00 PM, marking the start of your relaxing journey down China’s longest river.

In the early morning, you have the option to join an optional shore excursion to the historical and cultural site of White Emperor City (additional fee applies). This renowned location offers stunning views of the Kuimen scenery and is often referred to as the "City of Poems." Immerse yourself in the rich history and soak in the breathtaking landscapes that surround you. Alternatively, you can choose to enjoy leisure time onboard the ship, relaxing and taking in the tranquil ambiance.

Afterwards, return to the ship and prepare to enter the Three Gorges, the highlight of your Yangtze River Cruise. Sail through the first two gorges, starting with the dramatic Qutang Gorge, known for being the shortest (5 miles), narrowest (500 feet), and most visually striking. Next is the picturesque Wu Gorge, stretching 25 miles and adorned with forest-covered mountains and sheer cliffs that allow only a gentle penetration of sunlight.

Later, you'll transfer to smaller boat for a delightful excursion through the enchanting gorges of either Goddess Stream (Shennv Stream) or, depending on river conditions, Shennong Stream. Experience the natural beauty and serenity of these captivating gorges. Finally, return to the cruise to continue your journey through Xiling Gorge, which holds the title of being the longest (41 miles) and deepest of the Three Gorges.

Disembark this morning and take a tour of the Three Gorges Dam, the grandest hydroelectric project in the world, which spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge. The dam is designed to provide a huge source of hydropower for China and control the flood. After morning sightseeing, You will be provided a motor coach transfer to nearby Yichang by Cruise company. Upon arrival at Yichang, our Yichang local guide or driver will greeted and assisted you to Yichang airport for the flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival at Shanghai, airport picking up and transfer to your hotel.
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Optional shore excursions today (fee on your own): 

An additional optional shore excursion is also available (preceding the Three Gorges Dam tour) through the recently- completed unique ship lock with a ship lift, the world’s largest.

Start today with a visit to Yu Garden in the old town of Shanghai. Compared with the imperial Summer Palace that you visit in Beijing, Yu Garden is an ancient folk garden that presents the architectural features of the Southeast region of China. Next to the garden is a market that jammed with many small shops for selling Chinese ancient arts and crafts, walk around here for some good bargains.

Next up with a visit to Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Learn about the development of modern Shanghai before you head to the Shanghai Tower to have a bird view of Huangpu River. Afterwards, come to Nanjing Road for a walk along the road. See the breathtaking scenery of the Bund or do some shopping. In the evening, experience a short cruise journey on Huangpu River (optional, fee is on your own) to appreciate different scenes along both sides of the river. Overnight in Shanghai.

Morning drive to Suzhou, a famous garden city in the southeast region of China. The first stop is the Humble Administrator's Garden, a natural and elegant garden that has almost 500 years' history. The main feature of Suzhou's gardens is that the landscapes are meticulously designed to make sure the visitors always gain surprises. During your visit, you will have no idea what the surprise you will see next while walking in the garden. Afterwards, have a cruise on the Grand Canal,  the longest canal or artificial river in the world.

In the afternoon, take a visit to the Lingering Garden, another ancient garden in Suzhou. Be rewarded with scenes more splendid than the one you were just in while visiting in the garden. Late afternoon, drive back to the hotel in Shanghai to relax. Overnight in Shanghai.

Your fantastic tour will come to an end today. Drive to the airport and railway station and say farewell to your local guide. Wish you have a pleasant journey home.